Final suspect in beating of Irvington teacher turns himself in

Matt Rainey/The Star-LedgerFile photo of Irvington High School where a teacher was attacked by five students this week.

IRVINGTON — The fifth and final suspect in the beating of an Irvington High School teacher during school hours turned himself in this morning, police said.

The 15-year-old boy, who is alleged to have instigated the beating that sent a 44-year-old math teacher to a hospital for treatment, faces aggravated assault charges. The four other suspects, two boys and two girls aged 14 to 16, were arrested soon after the Monday afternoon beating of Muideen Oladoja. They face similar charges.

According to district and police officials, the 15-year-old, who is known to Oladoja, entered the teacher’s class during an eighth-period class and knocked items off the teacher’s desk. After being locked out of the full classroom, the boy was let back in and punched Oladoja once in the face. The altercation boiled out in the hallway, where the four others started hitting Oladoja. Police have not cited a motive for the attack.

All suspects were released to their parents, but are prohibited from leaving their homes and must wear electronic bracelets, police said. They have been suspended from school and face expulsion, said police and school officials.

The case will be heard in juvenile court, where proceedings are closed to the public.

Oladoja, a third-year teacher, was beaten on his face and body. He was recuperating at his home in Newark.